Former Huddersfield RU player Vern Cotter can lead Scotland to Six Nations glory for the first time.

That’s the claim from Edinburgh star Ross Ford.

The men from Murrayfield haven’t clinched championship glory since Italy joined the fray at the start of the century.

But Kiwi coach Cotter, who played for Huddersfield in 1984-85, has lifted spirits with a string of bright displays, one of them against his own countrymen.

Scotland claimed Autumn Series wins over Argentina and Tonga along with a near miss against world champions New Zealand.

“We could win the Six Nations. There’s is no reason why we can’t,” proclaimed hooker Ford.

“Everyone in the squad is improving, we just need to keep pushing each other on.

“Things didn’t click for us in the last tournament but I don’t think it was a lack of confidence.

“It was a momentum thing. You need it to be successful in sport and we just couldn’t get going.

“But that’s all in the past, the last three games have been good and we need to continue that.”

Ford says his own form has surged since former No8 Cotter, 52, took the helm in the summer.

He has earned rave reviews for the accuracy of his line-out throwing, a vital part of top-grade rugby.

“I’ve enjoyed the Autumn matches and it is probably the best I have played for a while,” he added.

“Structures are in place and that creates chances for everyone. If we work hard for each other, we all get the chance to shine.”